Walking–By Faith Or By Sight??? A Word from THE WORD!!! Bible Ballistics

11 Wednesday May 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Cross, Faith, Faithful, Faithful Follower, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Take Up YOUR Cross, Walking by Faith or Sight?, Walking With Jesus

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A Word from THE WORD!!! #6 Walking– By Faith Or By Sight???

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:

for it is the power of God

unto salvation

to every one that believeth;

to the Jew first,

and also to the Greek.

17 For therein is the righteousness of God

revealed

from faith

to faith:

as it is written,

The just

shall live by faith.”  Romans 1:16-17

How are we to walk by faith?  By the power of the “new birth” that God works in those who come to Jesus in repentance and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for our sin—mine and yours—and being made a “new creation” inChrist Jesus!

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things

are become new.”  2 Corinthians 5:17

But how is this worked in us?  By the power of the Holy Spirit, and the coming of The Lord Jesus Christ to live a sinless life, being The Lamb of God, who had come to die for our sin.

“That was the true Light,

which lighteth every man

that cometh into the world.

10 He was in the world,

and the world was made by him,

and the world knew him not.

11 He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them

that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.

14 And the Word was made flesh,

and dwelt among us,

(and we beheld his glory,

the glory as of the only begotten

of the Father,)

full of grace and truth.”   John 1:12-13

As John the Baptizer said:

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him,

and saith,

Behold the Lamb of God,

which taketh away the sin of the world.

30 This is he of whom I said,

After me cometh a man

which is preferred before me:

for he was before me.”   John 1:29-30

Because of what Jesus did, I can walk by faith—faith in The One who loved me and you, and gave Himself for me/you, that we could live IN HIS power, as I/you die to ‘my’ flesh and live unto ‘my’ LORD Jesus!

“I am crucified with Christ:

 nevertheless I live;

 yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

So, how are you “living”?  By your own wiles, efforts, and schemes, or by the power of Jesus?  Have you been “born again” by the Spirit of God, or are you still walking in your own sin, your own way, with the consequences that accompany that choice?  It is your choice but choose wisely there is a test!

“For by grace are ye saved

through faith;

and that not of yourselves:

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works,

lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus unto good works,

 which God hath before ordained

that we should walk

in them.”  Ephesians 2:8-10

And in closing, the definition of faith from the author of Hebrews:

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,

the evidence of things not seen.

2 For by it the elders obtained a good report

….6 But without faith

 it is impossible to please him:

for he that cometh to God

must believe that he is,

and that he is a rewarder of them

that diligently seek him.”   Portions of Hebrews 11:1-6

So, who are you seeking?  How are you walking?  By faith?  Or by sight? Are you walking with a “cross” simply hanging around your neck, or have you taken up your “cross” to follow Jesus?

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

and whosoever will lose his life

for my sake

shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

or what shall a man give

in exchange

for his soul?”  Matthew 16:24-26

Amen and Amen!!!  May Jesus speak to your heart today!

Sharing Motherly Wisdom??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 25

08 Sunday May 2022

Posted by in Faithful, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Motherly Wisdom, Mothers, My Grace Is Sufficient

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(A repost of Bible Ballistics: BBs #726 ) Sharing Motherly Wisdom???   Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 25

“Who can find a virtuous woman?

for her price

is far above rubies.”  Proverbs 31:10

A virtuous woman is a treasure, not because I said so, but because God’s Word says so!  But what is virtue?

Virtue: moral excellence; goodness; righteousness—

   Conformity of one’s life and conduct to moral

   and ethical principles; uprightness, rectitude…

God seems to be telling us that “virtue” is a prime character trait of the godly woman, and as the Proverb goes on to reveal, a godly woman will also be a godly, virtuous mother; and we are surely in need of virtuous women and mothers today.  As Mother’s Day approaches, I thought it would be a good time to address godly womanhood, and motherhood; I have said this before and I’ll say it again, even women who haven’t given “birth” to a child still affect the lives of the children around them whether or not they ever give “birth” to any particular child.  We need women who value life, goodness and righteousness, ever learning—ever teaching. We are surely experiencing a drought of godly women and mothers; so, what can we do?  I/YOU can live a godly righteous life before God and whoever is watching us each day.  What should that look like?  Let’s check out God’s Word and see.

“She is like the merchants’ ships;

she bringeth her food from afar.

15 She riseth also while it is yet night,

and giveth meat to her household,

and a portion to her maidens.”  Proverbs 31:14-15

A godly woman, wife and mother takes care of her home—she provides nutritious food as her means allow, she is diligent to take care of the needs of her household and, as Solomon puts it, she takes care of her “maidens”.  While most of the people in my circle don’t have household helpers in the flesh, we do have helpers and we should take care of them and be grateful for them—such as your washing machine, a dryer, a dishwasher (even the teens you’re teaching to do that task– 🙂 ), a vacuum…you get the picture.  We are to appreciate our blessings and use them to care and provide for our families with all love and strength.

“She considereth a field,

and buyeth it:

with the fruit of her hands

she planteth a vineyard.

17 She girdeth her loins with strength,

and strengtheneth her arms.

18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good:

her candle goeth not out by night.

19 She layeth her hands to the spindle,

and her hands hold the distaff.”   Proverbs 31:16-19

Here we have a woman who is not idle, but spends her time being productive—and whether you are being productive as a “home-maker” full time or working outside the home we are each responsible for the welfare of our home—for our husband and our children!  Many say today that being a “full time” mom is a waste of a woman’s gifts and talents—I beg to differ!  The greatest work a woman can do is to raise godly, mature, productive children who can pass on the baton of godliness and a scriptural worldview, and work-ethic.  And how is this biblical?  Paul says it best (though many don’t care for this passage), it is truly foundational to a godly, healthy, and productive society.

“For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us:

for we behaved not ourselves

disorderly among you;

8 Neither did we eat any man’s bread

for nought;

but wrought

with labour

and travail

night and day,

that we might not be chargeable

to any of you:

9 Not because we have not power,

but to make ourselves an ensample

unto you to follow us.

10 For even when we were with you,

this we commanded you,

that if any would not work,

neither should he eat.

11 For we hear that there are some

which walk among you disorderly,

working not at all,

but are busybodies.

12 Now them that are such

we command

and exhort

by our Lord Jesus Christ,

that with quietness

they work,

and eat their own bread.

13 But ye, brethren,

be not weary

in well doing.”  2 Thessalonians 3:7-13

We are to be diligent and not grow “weary in well doing”—and we need to take note of this and be reminded that “well doing” can get tiresome!  As women we can understand that truth.  Jesus Himself got weary during His ministry and you and I will get weary in ours; but we can walk on in confidence that our God will supply as we go about doing HIS will.

“I know both how to be abased,

and I know how to abound:

every where

and in all things

I am instructed

both to be full

and to be hungry,

both to abound

and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things

through Christ which strengtheneth me…

…. 19 But my God shall supply

all your need

according to his riches in glory

by Christ Jesus.

20 Now unto God and our Father

be glory for ever and ever.

Amen.”  Portions of Philippians 4:12-20

We can be confident in our God—and whether you work outside the home or are a ‘staty-at-home’ mom, you can “do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”.  I would just caution each of us to consider truth “in all things”—don’t fall for the lies of the world, that ‘caring for your family is not fulfilling’; or the one that says, ‘you can have it all’; as a friend once told me “you can have your cake and eat it too, just not at the same time”!  What we must consider is, how is GOD calling you/me to use our resources?  You can’t spend time with your spouse and children if you’re never home!  You can’t see the needs of your children if you are never with them!  You can’t grow in a relationship with your spouse if you never make time to be together!  You can’t KNOW God intimately if you never spend time with HIM!  We must consider God’s Word to be the dictate of our heart, not the world’s standard!  We are to be faithful to God, home and others, considering the limitations of our soul, mind and body—with God’s help, and at HIS direction!  Yet we are never to be presumptuous on God’s grace, provision and sovereignty.  Praying always!

Our praying should always align with what Jesus instructed:

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day

our daily bread.”  Matthew 6:9-11

Our prayer life should keep us in tune with God’s position as our total provision, then doing our part to be faithful workers—at home, at work, or wherever God leads us! Being godly examples of HIS love—starting at HOME!

“A new commandment I give unto you,

That ye love one another;

as I have loved you,

that ye also love one another.

35 By this shall all men know

that ye are my disciples,

if ye have love

one to another.”  John 13:34-35

Ever loving Jesus—our family—and the world—all to God’s glory, in HIS will, keeping our eyes on Jesus, being godly women of faith and joy in HIS WORD and all it teaches us.

“But thanks be to God,

which giveth us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren,

be ye stedfast,

unmoveable,

always abounding

in the work of the Lord,

forasmuch as ye know

that your labour is not in vain

in the Lord.”  1 Corinthians 15:57-58

So, we can choose, as men, women, boys and girls to follow Jesus, follow His Word, and be true reflections of HIS glory! Or we can reject Jesus and go our own way!  It’s your choice Mom, what will you do?  And remember there is a test—and not only a test–there are little feet following in your/my steps no matter what our words say!

“Grace and peace be multiplied

unto you

through the knowledge of God,

and of Jesus our Lord,

3 According as his divine power

hath given unto us all things

that pertain unto life and godliness,

through the knowledge of him

that hath called us

to glory and virtue:

4 Whereby are given unto us

exceeding great and precious promises:

that by these

ye might be partakers of the divine nature,

having escaped the corruption

that is in the world through lust.

5 And beside this,

giving all diligence,

add to your faith virtue;

and to virtue knowledge;”  2 Peter 1:2-5

‘Nuff said!  Amen and Amen!

A Word from THE WORD #5 Bible Ballistics

06 Friday May 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Choose you this day?, Encouragement, Eternal Plan of God, Every Knee Shall Bow, Eyes that SEE HIM, May the fourth be with you!!!, The fourth man in the FIRE!

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A Word from THE WORD!!!  #5

Most people don’t know (and some are shocked when they find out! Ha ha) that I am a big Star Wars fan.  From the first one that my sister-in-law and I took the children to see at the drive-in some 40+ years ago.  But I must admit that I didn’t watch the “prequels” until just the last year or so, and while they are ok, they’re not the original.  I say all this to talk about the cutesy little meme that comes around every year at this time, “May the ‘fourth’ be with you!” (On May the 4th, in case you didn’t know) in reference to the “force be with you” from the Star Wars series of movies.  Well, for the last couple of years I have used a borrowed meme that has a picture of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, and that “fourth man…. the Son of God” with them; I believe that “fourth man” was a preincarnate appearance of our Lord Jesus in the fire with them. And that my friends, is way, way more important than any movie!  Is Jesus with YOU?  I pray that HE is, and I would like to share a couple of passages of scripture with you this morning to remind us all that God has a plan that will never fail.  Jesus saves, delivers, accompanies His own, and HE IS coming again, and perhaps very soon!  Here’s some food for thought, encouragement, and hope!  Remember, we win!

“Trust in the LORD,

and do good;

so shalt thou dwell in the land,

and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the LORD;

and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the LORD;

trust also in him;

and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness

as the light,

and thy judgment

as the noonday.

7 Rest in the LORD,

and wait patiently for him:

fret not thyself

because of him

who prospereth in his way,

because of the man

who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease from anger,

and forsake wrath:

fret not thyself

in any wise to do evil.”   Psalm 37:3-8

And one of the greatest practical examples of trust, and confidence in God from Daniel chapter 3:

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,

answered and said to the king,

O Nebuchadnezzar,

we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.

17 If it be so,

our God

whom we serve

is able to deliver us

from the burning fiery furnace,

and he will deliver us

out of thine hand, O king.

18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king,

that we will not serve thy gods,

nor worship the golden image

which thou hast set up…

…. And these three men,

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,

fell down bound

into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied,

 and rose up in haste,

and spake, and said unto his counsellors,

Did not we cast three men bound

into the midst of the fire?

They answered and said unto the king,

True, O king.

25 He answered and said,

Lo, I see four men

loose,

walking in the midst of the fire,

and they have no hurt;

and the form of the fourth

is like the Son of God.”   Portions of Daniel 3:16-25

May this same Jesus be seen in us, in our living, our language and in our love, by the power, spirit, and grace of The Lord Jesus, who will never “leave you, or forsake you”, THE ONE who still changes hearts and lives—one at a time!!!  And in closing for today, one of the most beautiful passages regarding God’s eternal, total, omnipresent person, and presence with HIS own, is from one of David’s Psalms.

“Whither shall I go

from thy spirit?

or whither shall I flee

from thy presence?

8 If I ascend up into heaven,

thou art there:

if I make my bed in hell,

behold, thou art there.

9 If I take the wings of the morning,

and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

10 Even there shall thy hand lead me,

and thy right hand shall hold me.

11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me;

even the night shall be light about me.   

12 Yea, the darkness hideth not

from thee;

but the night shineth as the day:

the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.”    Psalm 139:7-12

Amen and Amen!!!

A Word from THE WORD!!! #4 Bible Ballistics

04 Wednesday May 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Associations?, Bad Companions Corrupt..., Busy-ness or Business?, Children, Choices And Consequences, Choose you this day?, Compromise, Confidence, Order my steps

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A Word from THE WORD!!!  #4

“Let your moderation

be known unto all men.

The Lord is at hand.

6 Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing

by prayer

and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known

unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

 if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.

9 Those things,

which ye have both learned,

and received,

and heard,

and seen in me,

do:

and the God of peace

shall be with you.”  Philippians 4:5-9

What things are you and I thinking on?  It’s sometimes difficult to keep our eyes “on Jesus” and not be distracted by all the things going on around us—sometimes our busyness, is far from God’s “busi-ness”, but God has given us His Holy Spirit to guide us “into all truth”!  We are called to control our thoughts, our hearts, and our minds in order to control our actions!  And as parents and grandparents we need to be teaching these things to our young ones, and helping them make wise “association” choices—they do make a difference in our lives, adult and child!

“Be not deceived:

evil communications

corrupt good manners.”  1 Corinthians 15:33

Or as it is written in the NASB:

“Do not be deceived:

“Bad company

corrupts good morals.””

We must pay attention to the people, things and activities that we surround ourselves with.  We are to be a witness to the lost but not a partaker in their ways, showing our little ones the right way to live and choose—in God’s wisdom!

“Can two walk together,

except they be agreed?”  Amos 3:3

Food for thought and pondering today.  Where are you walking today?

“Order my steps

in thy word:

and let not any iniquity

have dominion over me.”  Psalm 119:133

Amen and Amen

What/Who Are YOU Waiting For??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 23

02 Monday May 2022

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Choose you this day?, There IS a Test!

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 23 What/Who Are YOU Waiting For???

We are all waiting on something; a package we have ordered, a new piece of furniture, a new baby (one of the greatest gifts that God gives us—be it child, grandchild or great-grandchild), moving into a new house, or a new season of life, and this time of year we see many new seasons—graduates going off to adult life, those taking off on summer adventures, and during the trials of the last 2 years, many have had to adjust to life changes, loss, and trying to deal with unexpected grief, physical trials and challenges that have caused us all to “wait” on one thing or another.  Changes are a part of life and so is ‘waiting’!  The key is to know what we are waiting for—or more importantly—WHO we are waiting for.  Some are waiting for a ‘prince charming’ who will solve all their problems, others for that job that will take them to new heights of power and fame; for some, it’s waiting for that ‘special someone’ to “make me happy”!  Well, my friends, happiness is a word related to circumstances, but JOY is the peace of mind, heart and soul that only Jesus can and does give to those who will choose HIM—and wait for HIS direction, will and provision, and it goes far beyond circumstance but is grounded in the security of The Savior who paid the price to redeem us to Himself, and will direct our way when we seek HIM.

“Hast thou not known?

hast thou not heard,

that the everlasting God,

the LORD,

the Creator of the ends of the earth,

fainteth not,

neither is weary?

there is no searching of his understanding.

29 He giveth power

to the faint;

and to them that have no might

he increaseth strength.

30 Even the youths

shall faint and be weary,

and the young men

shall utterly fall:

31 But they that wait upon the LORD

shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings

as eagles;

they shall run,

and not be weary;

and they shall walk,

and not faint.”  Isaiah 40:28-31

Every person has a God-given freedom to choose, we can choose wisely, or we can choose foolishly.  Jesus gave a great lesson in this regard.  The choice is to believe and receive Jesus, or to go our own way, focused on ‘self’! You will choose the ‘rock’ or the ‘sand’—the lesson implies that each house ‘appears’ to the world to be the same, but the foundation makes the difference.  One person chose Jesus—The Rock; the other chose ‘self’—the sand.  You can impress the world or have peace with God—but most generally you can’t have them both at the same time; whether we look at coming to Jesus and accepting His substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice; or the living out of either trusting and obeying Jesus or trusting and yielding to our own wisdom and fleshly wisdom.  (See Romans 5:1-11)

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine,

and doeth them,

I will liken him

unto a wise man,

which built his house upon a rock:

25 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell not:

for it was founded upon a rock.

26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine,

and doeth them not,

shall be likened

unto a foolish man,

which built his house upon the sand:

27 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell:

and great was the fall of it.

28 And it came to pass, when Jesus

had ended these sayings,

the people were astonished at his doctrine:

29 For he taught them

as one having authority,

and not as the scribes.”  Matthew 7:24-29

Joshua gave one of the greatest summations of this personal dilemma of all time, for we must “choose” whom we will wait for, wait on and look unto for all of life’s issues, especially the salvation of our souls!

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD,

choose you this day whom ye will serve;

whether the gods which your fathers served

that were on the other side of the flood,

or the gods of the Amorites,

in whose land ye dwell:

but as for me and my house,

we will serve the LORD.”  Joshua 24:15

Jesus is the “rock of my salvation” and HE will be yours if you will look to HIM! Oh, how I love Jesus!

“I will love thee, O LORD,

my strength.

2 The LORD is my rock,

and my fortress,

and my deliverer;

my God,

my strength,

in whom I will trust;

my buckler,

and the horn

of my salvation,

and my high tower.

3 I will call upon the LORD,

who is worthy to be praised:

so shall I be saved

from mine enemies.”  Psalm 18:1-3

The question is, what and who are you “waiting” for?  After many years of life, experience, disappointments, joys, and learning that there is only ONE person who is worthy of my focus, my continual devotion, and on whom I can depend, HIS name is JESUS!  And while I am blessed with many faithful and trusted friends, there is only ONE upon whom I place my total confidence, my best friend, JESUS!  And HE is worth waiting for—and I truly believe that His return is imminent!  Are you ready?

“I had fainted,

unless I had believed to see

the goodness of the LORD

in the land of the living.

14 Wait on the LORD:

be of good courage,

and he shall strengthen thine heart:       

wait, I say,

on the LORD.”  Psalm 27:13-14

“Wait on the LORD,

and keep his way,

and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land:

when the wicked are cut off,

thou shalt see it.”  Psalm 37:34

As we wait upon “The Lord”, we can be assured that Jesus is “God”, not an imposter or just ‘one’ of many ways to God!  HE IS GOD, He said so Himself, and He also said HE is coming back again, and HE is trustworthy—and I’m looking UP expectantly!!!

“Let not your heart be troubled:

ye believe in God,

believe also in me.

2 In my Father’s house are many mansions:

if it were not so,

I would have told you.

I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you,

I will come again,

and receive you unto myself;

that where I am,

there ye may be also.

4 And whither I go

ye know,

and the way

ye know.

5 Thomas saith unto him,

Lord, we know not whither thou goest;

and how can we know the way?

6 Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

So, my friends, what/who are you waiting on?  You can choose to believe in the ONE who is coming back for HIS own, waiting with joy and expectancy. Or not?  Choose “you this day” to go your own way or God’s?  And just as a bit of reminder for some of you and news for others of you, let’s rehearse what scripture says about “who/what” Jesus claimed Himself to be from the Gospel of John—one of my favorite books about Jesus.  A great New Testament book to read if you want to know more about Him!  And note “the Word” is Jesus—the living WORD, as well as the author of the written Word, and here, as well as several other passages, identified as “creator”.  (See Colossians 1:16)

“In the beginning

was the Word,

and the Word

was with God,

and the Word

was God.

2 The same was in the beginning

with God.

3 All things were made

by him;

and without him

was not any thing made

that was made.

4 In him was life;

and the life was the light of men.

5 And the light shineth

in darkness;

and the darkness

comprehended it not.”  John 1:1-5.  (See John 3:19-21 for more)

Jesus’ first express revelation of His deity was to the woman at the well:

“The woman saith unto him,

I know that Messias cometh,

which is called Christ:

when he is come,

he will tell us all things.

26 Jesus saith unto her,

I that speak unto thee am he.”   John 4:25-26

Yet sometimes “seeing” isn’t “believing”:

“And Jesus said unto them,

I am the bread of life:

he that cometh to me

shall never hunger;

and he that believeth on me

shall never thirst.

36 But I said unto you,

That ye also have seen me,

and believe not…

….48 I am that bread of life…

….51 I am the living bread

which came down from heaven:

if any man eat of this bread,

he shall live for ever:

and the bread that I will give

is my flesh,

which I will give

for the life of the world.”   John 6:35-36 & 48, 51

Without Jesus there is no way to God—you can choose to believe Him or reject Him, but choose wisely, there is a test, and a consequence.

“And he said unto them,

Ye are from beneath;

I am from above:

ye are of this world;

I am not of this world.

24 I said therefore unto you,

that ye shall die in your sins:

for if ye believe not

that I am he,

ye shall die in your sins.”  John 8:23-24

“Jesus said unto them,

Verily, verily, I say unto you,

Before Abraham was,

I am.

59 Then took they up stones to cast at him:

but Jesus hid himself,

and went out of the temple,

going through the midst of them,

and so passed by.”  John 8:58-59

“Jesus said unto her,

I am the resurrection,

and the life:

he that believeth in me,

though he were dead,

yet shall he live:

26 And whosoever liveth

and believeth in me

shall never die.

Believest thou this?

27 She saith unto him,

Yea, Lord:

I believe

that thou art the Christ,

the Son of God,

which should come into the world.”                       John 11:25-27

What do you believe?  Jesus spoke the truth and they wanted to kill Him, and we who follow Him won’t always be believed or accepted, and we need to know that Jesus prepared us for this truth (hard to accept sometimes, but true and becoming more and more evident every day!).  It’s important to remember that when we choose Jesus, and walk in obedience, we will suffer with HIM.

“These things I command you,

that ye love one another

18 If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you

out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things

will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not

him that sent me.”  John 15:17-21

Paul also said something very similar to us—a verse that is often ignored, but much needed today!

“Yea,

and all that will live godly

in Christ Jesus

shall suffer persecution.”  2 Timothy 3:12

And in closing, are you, am I, willing to “live godly in Christ Jesus”?  If not, what are you waiting for?  Holy or NOT?  The choice is yours but choose wisely, there is a test!  And remember God’s call upon those who are His own.  Don’t wait too long!

“But as he which hath called you is holy,

so be ye holy

in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written,

Be ye holy; for I am holy.”  1 Peter 1:15.-16

Amen and Amen!!!